Comparison of foot function between baseline and 8 week follow-up in west point cadets

Different foot types are associated with different biomechanical function [1]. In a cohort of cadets from West Point differences in foot type have already been observed across sex, race, injury incidence [2]. As part of their training to become officers in the US Army cadets train rigorously, especially in the first 8 weeks of basic training. Although over 1/3 of the cadets will experience a musculoskeletal injury over their first year of training it is not clear if longitudinal changes are occurring to their foot type. In specific, it was the aim of this study to determine if foot function changed over just 8 weeks of basic training.